Thank you to everybody who has read or reviewed this story and series over the last 5 1/2 years. There were moments where I didn't think I would get to the end of this saga, but we made it. This didn't go quite as initially planned (more than one early outline had Stephanie dying in Puerto Rico), but we got there in the end.
I would also like to thank all the people who have helped with proofreading duties on the story and series over the last 5 1/2 years, including Grayson Steele and Ursula. We were on this journey together, and I could not have done it without any of you. Especially Ursula, who once we realized it was possible to get the story done in 2019, she really pushed me to do so. We didn't quite get it done in 2019, but January 2020 works for me. Thank you so much.
This chapter does have heavy spoilers for Endgame.
Epilogue part two: The Other Path I Traveled
Instagram post from I am Iron Man
[Descriptive caption of video: Short 61-second video introducing three new members of the Avengers. Names of the New Avengers are shown as they appear: Daisy S. Carter codename Quake. She is dressed in a black tactical suit with purple accents. In the video, you see her using her earthquake powers to leap to the top of a four-story building to apprehend a member of the watchdogs, an anti-Inhuman/people with superpowers terrorist group. Dr. Lincoln Campbell codename Dr. Spark. He is wearing a black tactical suit with gold accents. In the video, he is taseing an armed robber using alien weapons into unconsciousness. Pietro Maximoff codename Quicksilver. He's wearing a silver and dark blue tactical suit with light blue accents. In the video, he is seen stealing the weapons of a Watchdog member. The video ends with a group shop of the New Avenger team: from right to left: Melinda May, codename Mrs. Agent; Sam Wilson, codename Falcon; Dr. Bruce Banner, codename Hulk; Clint Barton, codename Hawkeye; Col. James Rhodes, codename War Machine; Daisy Carter; Dr. Lincoln Campbell; Pietro Maximoff; and Thor no codename.]
Video credit: Taken from various YouTube videos with permission.
Although they've already saved the world a couple of times and have received media codenames, I thought on this New Year's Day I would introduce you officially to the three newest members of the Avengers squad Daisy Carter, Dr. Lincoln Campbell, and Pietro Maximoff.
I hate to confirm media rumor, but yes Dr. Campbell and Ms. Carter are Inhumans a.k.a. born with the ability to develop powers. Mr. Maximoff and his sister were prisoners of Hydra that were rescued by the Hydra task force. Mr. Maximoff has chosen to use the 'gifts' he developed while being illegally experimented on by a notorious terrorist cell for the greater good.
Contrary to whatever propaganda Secretary Ross and the watchdogs are feeding you, members of the inhuman community and other individuals with powers are not individuals you should fear, nor should they be wards of the state. They are part of our community, and some have already saved your ass multiple times. My father, Howard, always told me that you judge people by what they do, not by where they come from. That was one of his best pieces of advice.
You may have also noticed that Steve and I were not in the group Avenger photo. That's because we've decided to downgrade our status to on-call. If aliens attack again, we promise we'll be there, but we want to spend more time with our children as well as do additional philanthropic work. We also have a wedding to plan. Will it be on Valentine's Day? You'll just have to wait and see.
To that effect, the new chairmen of the Avengers is Sam Wilson with the assistance of Colonel James Rhodes. We believe both men will take the Avengers into 2016 and beyond.
Xxx
"Your girlfriend is going to kill Stark for that codename."
Natasha remarked as she swiped the media alert away from her holographic screen. They were on the new airship Fitz created making their way to Columbia after another Inhuman sighting, the first one outside of North and Central America. Apparently, someone with super speed is attacking the police there. They're still shocked that the catalyst agent has spread so quickly. They thought they had at least another 6 months before it got to that point according to the models.
"Stark gave May six options, and that's the one she chose," Phil explained. Natasha is sure he found it adorable, but she just sighed.
"I'm surprised Steve didn't make May the new chair of the Avengers." She personally felt May was the most qualified, considering she's been an agent for over 25 years.
"She said no. If Tony and Steve get to take a step back to spend more time with the kids, she does as well. Besides, I think Sam and the Colonel are the best choices with their military background and cooler heads. May would be tempted to start knocking people out."
"Good point. What about putting the twins on separate teams? Are we sure this is the best for the two of them?" Natasha asked, unsure of their current decision.
"You're the one that wanted Wanda as part of your Caterpillars after Roger suggested it." Even though they both know the truth, they still refer to the other timeline Steve Rogers as Roger Stevens. It's better that way, so they don't accidentally mess up in front of the wrong person. Only a handful of people knew the truth.
"I wanted both, but Suarez feels that they need some time apart to really thrive. After our talk with Roger, I think Wanda is better suited for the Caterpillars, and she's been bonding with Joey." Natasha defended, essentially answering her own question.
"Do you think they're ready for this mission without Daisy or Pietro? Is that why you're worried now?" Phil asked.
"I think they're ready. You know what Roger said Secretary Ross is planning to do. The best way we can counter that is by making Daisy and Lincoln the face of the Avengers." Although she was sad losing two of her best agents, Natasha knew the propaganda war was more important. They had to stay together to beat what's to come.
"Which is very true although it's too bad Natalie needs to lay low because of the ex-husband. I just wish we didn't have to split up families to do this. Daisy and Lincoln hate being away from Tripp. I know you hate being away from Clint even though Laura and your kids now live in Arlington. I really wish I could see my fiancé and step kids more than once a week." Phil lamented.
"We just have to remember that we're fighting for a better world," Natasha told her partner. She would do whatever she had to do to live long enough to see her kids graduate from high school.
XXXX
Instagram post of Actually Steve Rogers
February 14, 2016
11:33 PM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Image one: Steve Rogers and Tony Stark kiss at their wedding in front of an unknown friend who is officiating. Standing beside them is best man Leo Fitz Stark and his little brother Antonio along with Avenger Melinda May holding Madison. She is serving as maid of honor for Steve. Avengers Chairman Sam Wilson is standing behind her. All are dressed in navy blue. Also standing on her brother's side is Natalie Stark, dressed in navy with a white bouquet.
Image two: Virginia "Pepper "Potts and Col. James Rhodes walking Tony Stark down the aisle. "Happy" Hogan seen in the background, acting like he's not actually crying. Sure, it's allergies. SI board of directors' member and best friend of Maria Stark, Kathleen Worthington, is seated in the traditional mother of the bride location, also crying.]
Photo credits: J. Simmons
Today, I married the man of my dreams. I was so afraid that would never happen, but here we are. Tony, I love you so much. You make me feel everything, you are my home, and you are my future. Leo, I'm so happy that you were able to share this day with your father and me. I hope you realize that I do see you the same way I see Antonio and Madison. Also, thank you for keeping your brother from trying to eat the ring. It was a near thing.
I also want to thank Melinda for not only being my best woman but also convincing your fiancé to be our officiate when the judge canceled. You're the best friend I could ask for in this century. You're more than a friend, you're family, practically another mother to Antonio and Madison. I adore you so much.
Also, thank you to Sam for throwing the best bachelor party ever. I had fun taking the kids to Coney Island. Thank you for being there and for keeping Madison from trying to eat the ring. Those kids like shiny things.
Regardless, Tony and I want to thank everybody who made this a day we will never ever forget. We thank you both from the bottom of our hearts.
I really wish my childhood best friend Bucky could've been there, but I know that you're watching from somewhere. I miss you so much.
Xxx
February 15, 2016
"Of course, I was watching, punk," Bucky told Steve as he wrapped an arm around the man as soon as they walked off the Quinn jet. "I wouldn't miss it for the world even if I couldn't be there in person. Your vows made me cry."
"Thanks to May's stepfather giving us a Wakanda honeymoon for a wedding present, Stevie gets to hug his BFF," Tony remarked from behind. "and I get to spend my honeymoon at Disney World for smart people." The promise of the Genius princess's labs might be the only thing that gets Tony away from Steve for any amount of time during the week that they will be here.
"This is better than you slapping me," Bucky remarked. "Honestly, that's what I was expecting."
"I've made peace with it." Tony tells him. Mostly because he's heard stories of what happened in the other timeline from Steve Prime when he comes to watch the kids. Tony doesn't want to lose what he has, especially his new husband. Not at all. Which means making peace with the past and considering how happy Steve is to physically be back with his best friend, Tony knows it's the right decision.
Xxx
Instagram post from the Real Avengers
April 16, 2016 10:32 PM
[Descriptive caption of photo:
Image one: Avenger Melinda May and her new husband Philip J. Coulson, newly named Director of the ATCU posing in wedding attire in front of the rest of the Avenger team. Madison and Antonio Stark are in their arms. Madison is wearing a matching red bridesmaid dress.
Image two: Avengers Melinda May and Daisy Johnson hugging each other with bouquets in hand.]
Photo credit: J. Simmons
Daisy a.k.a. Quake here. On behalf of the entire Avengers squad, including our part-timers, we would like to congratulate Melinda and her husband, Phil, on their recent nuptials. We wish you both a life of happiness and joy.
On a personal note, you have been like a mother to me, and your new husband has treated me like a daughter. Growing up in foster care, you have no idea how much I needed pseudo-parents, but you too gave me that. You both gave me a home for the very first time. You have been my mentor and believed in me when very few people did. I wish you and Phil all the happiness in the world. You both deserve so much, and I love you both.
So please join me in wishing congratulations to the happy couple.
xxx
Instagram post from I am Iron Man
May 1, 2016 3:22 PM
[Descriptive caption of photo:
Image one: Tony Stark debuting the Stark Visual Therapy system (formally named Binarily Augmented Retro Framing) in front of students and faculty at MIT.
Image two: Antonio and Madison Stark-Rogers trying to hug a hologram of Maria and Howard Stark as Leo Fitz Stark chases after his siblings.]
Photo credit: image one: Leo Fitz Stark; image two: Hunter Leopold
Greetings from MIT. Not only am I having fun showing off the campus to Baby Tony, Madison, and their big brother Leo and unveiling a new piece of technology to help the psychology field, but I am also here to announce the creation of the Isabel and Victoria Hand foundation. The purpose of this foundation is to provide funding to young visionaries trying to make the world a better place. It was named in honor of my children's birth mothers.
Even before realizing that I was a parent, I always felt young people are the future. Their brilliant minds will come up with solutions to the most pressing problems in the universe, like climate change, but only if they have access to the right tools and proper funding because, unfortunately, not everyone is born into a world of wealth and privilege like myself or my children. I don't want us to miss the cure for cancer because of a lack of funding.
Xxx
Instagram post of Sexy Flash
May 1, 2016 3:27 PM
[Descriptive caption of video: 85-second video shot on a Stark phone of the Spider-Man of Queens saving a five-year-old from an out of control car. The video ends with the grateful mom crying on Spider-Man.]
You won't believe it Flash Mob, but I actually saw Spider-Man saving someone today. I miraculously got footage of it because I was planning to give you an update on this afternoon's lunch choices. It was the coolest thing ever. He just swung out of nowhere and used his webbing to pull the kid away before the car hit the child. He's so cool.
He could use a better outfit, but still so cool. Sweatpants were so last year.
I love Spider-Man. He is the best.
XXXX
May 2, 2016
"I get off a plane from Boston, and the first thing you do is drag me all the way to Queens. We're not here to try out a new pizza place? Because I've been slowly working my way through all the best pizza places from when I was back at MIT, and I'm a little pizza'd out at the moment." Tony said as he kissed his husband on the cheek in the back of the car. Tony's not sure who's driving except it's not Happy who really doesn't do driving duty that much anymore. He's probably fussing over the twins at the compound. He adores the babies.
"Also, I just had a run-in with Ross, the one that we don't like. He tried to ambush me at MIT, to talk about his superhero registration treaty that he's trying to create." Tony explained.
So, it turns out accidentally throwing that Inhuman catalytic agent into any body of water is terrible, especially a river that goes right into the ocean and frequent by various commercially fished species. Lots of people, mostly in the US, Canada, and Mexico are randomly waking up with superpowers. However, due to the global economy, some have randomly woken up after a seafood dinner with superpowers in other parts of the world.
Coulson and Simmons think it's only a matter of time before those developing powers in other countries rapidly increase. They were scared in January when Yo-Yo from Columbia suddenly developed powers, but it turns out she was exposed in Miami visiting a friend. She just had the misfortune of ordering the fish tacos. Of course, in a way that was good since Yo-Yo is now a member of Romanoff's Caterpillars a.k.a. The Secret Avengers.
The only reason why it's going so slowly right now is it fell in the river and not the middle of the ocean. It's taking longer to spread. At least that's what Steve Prime told them. Apparently, this happened last time too. The fallout is pretty much what caused the Avengers to fall apart and considering half the world population was lost last time, that's something they want to avoid.
"You told him to go fuck himself?" Steve sighed.
"Yes, I did. I mean T. Ross already tried to get Bruce's passport taken away so he couldn't go to that conference in Taiwan regarding the explosion of people with superpowers." A.k.a. the incident where Hunter and Bobbi did something idiotic involving the Russian government and the ATCU a.k.a. the new public name for Shield had to disavow them. Bobbi is now using her master's in chemistry at SI under a new name, and Hunter is the twins baby bodyguard/nanny under the pseudonym Hunter Leopold. Let's just say Daisy's mom wasn't the last attempt at kidnapping of the twins.
"Petty asshole. I mean Bruce isn't even with his daughter anymore. He's with Pepper and I am totally ok with that." Steve just gives Tony a look.
"Are you?" Steve asked.
"Mostly. I was a bit of a Pepper/Happy shipper, but obviously, she's now team science bro. I'm just gonna have to find the perfect person for Happy." Steve just rolled his eyes at his husband.
"Don't roll your eyes at me. Tell me why we're driving to Queens instead of cuddling with the babies at the compound or in Arlington. You know they want their mommy May."
"Who is at the compound waiting for them," Steve remarked.
"Of course, she is," Tony mumbled under breath.
"Remember the Spider-man of Queens that keeps showing up on YouTube and Instagram?" Steve asked as he pulls out a Stark pad.
"Suspected Inhuman that we've been trying to find for the last four months?"
"Yes. Jarvis thinks he knows who he is." Steve said as he passed the Stark pad to Tony. It was also at that moment that Tony realizes their driver is Agent Davis and not one of the regular SI drivers. Obviously, this was a mission thing. Although semi-retired, they have been helping with some of the first contacts. They haven't really gotten any new recruits. However, Tony does have a new lawyer to help with superhero-related issues. Matt is MIA now, but hopefully, that will be resolved soon.
"I thought we were using 'they.' Even though the media is referring to them as Spider-Man, we shouldn't assume gender."
"Look down at the screen, Tony." Tony looks down to see the image of a young teenager who kind of looks adorable.
"Peter Parker age 14. He currently lives with his aunt in Queens. Both of his parents died when he was four years old and happened to be former Shield agents, yes Shield, not Hydra. Peter is a first-year student at Midtown School of Science, after passing the entrance exam. He was top of his class until four months ago. At about the same time, we started seeing Spider-man.
"Which also coincides with about the same time his uncle was murdered," Tony said reading ahead of Steve
"Which may give a 14-year-old who suddenly develops superpowers due to fish contamination a desire to start fighting crime in sweats and tights. Yo-yo joined Shield because her cousin was murdered."
"And before that, she was already playing Robin Hood," Tony remarked. "I like to call his crime fighting outfit a onesie." He said, pointing to the costume on the screen.
"It's not safe superhero attire regardless. I would like your help in keeping this kid from getting killed. Peter is 14, and he needs our help." Steve practically pleaded.
"You are being such a dad right now." Tony smiles at his husband.
"Because I am a dad. A dad of two kids with powers." So, it turns out that the incident that gave her brother Jedi like abilities essentially gave Madison the full super-soldier treatment making her baby Captain America. That kid bruises when she hugs. "I think I would want to keep our kids safe, so I want to do that for other kids who suddenly develop superpowers."
"Because we already know though as soon as the twins are teenagers, they at a minimum will be asking Auntie Natasha to join her Caterpillars, especially Antonio. They get that from you." Tony remarked.
"I'm thinking you." Steve replied. "You have quite the hero streak. Even semi superhero retirement isn't holding you down."
"The world can't save itself. The kids are also part Melinda May, so we shouldn't be surprised. Our children are 100% Avenger through and through."
"You are so right."
"Are we sure this kid is the Spider-Man of Queens? He's 14." Tony asked, worried.
"After the algorithm determined that Peter Parker was most likely the Spider-Man of Queens, I consulted Mr. Stevens. He confirmed that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. Or at least Spider-Man in his original timeline." Steve answered.
"You know it would be so much easier if May's stepdad would tell us stuff ahead of time." Tony couldn't help but sigh.
"He did warn us about Secretary Ross's attempts at super-powered registration." He pointed out.
"Which is gaining support even without Sokovia or the UN getting blown up because of the fucking Watchdogs. Those pricks just keep fanning the flames."
"Which is why we need to contact Peter. If we figured it out, that means the Watchdogs could too. Daisy said some members of the Rising Tide have defected to the Watchdogs."
"That's not surprising at all. How exactly are we going to do this?" Tony asked because Steve was right; they had to protect this kid.
"How would you like a new intern?" Steve asked.
"It is more likely Natalie who will be getting a new intern because we are in Arlington 80% of the time so the kids can be closer to their other mom who likes to be near her husband and helping Natasha with the Caterpillars."
"Regardless, it's a good cover and we can probably say that we're inviting him to a weekend or even summer program in DC. We still have a good relationship with Georgetown and GW." Steve argued.
Tony knew his husband was right. Moments later they were knocking on the door and invited in for cookies from May Parker. Cookies that even Steve was afraid to finish eating even though he has an iron stomach and survived K rations. When Peter Parker showed up 20 minutes later with a giant box of computer parts he scavenged, Tony was already halfway in love with this kid. Maybe he would get his own Intern after all.
xxxxxxx
Instagram post from I am Iron Man
November 1, 2016 8:32 AM
[Descriptive caption of photo:
Image one: Antonio and Madison Stark-Rogers dressed as Captain America and Iron Man trick-or-treating with fellow Avenger Melinda May and her husband, Director of the ATCU, Philip J. Coulson. She is dressed in her usual tactical suit with him dressed as Hawkeye.
Image two: Steve dressed as his husband in a wonderful Tom Ford suit holding Madison and Antonio's hands.]
Photo credit: Image One: Steve Rogers; Image Two: Melinda May
Happy Halloween even though it's November 1 in my current time zone. I'm totally missing trick-or-treating with the kids due to some ridiculous last-minute meeting in Mumbai. At least I didn't have to leave until after their second birthday. I would post pictures, but most of them would involve the twins swimming in cake. Those kids like playing in cake more than eating it.
Although I'm not there tonight, my fellow Avenger Melinda and her husband Philip have taken over trick-or-treat duty, and my husband sent pictures. Isn't he the absolute best? He even decided to dress like me. He looks so adorable with dark hair and his attempt at a goatee. Facial hair looks good on you, baby.
Also, don't you just love it when your kids dress up like you? They're adorable. I can't believe it's been two years. They are the absolute best. I love you and can't wait to be back home. Business trips are the worst.
Xxxxx
The Mechanic: Sorry, I missed Halloween. Mainly because both DC and Mumbai were victims of the Watchdogs' False Flag operation. Are you okay? I hate not being there.
Cuddle Husband: We are all fine. Leo got the power back on quickly with minimal fighting on our part. What about you?
The Mechanic: Everyone is safe here. I was able to quickly get the power back on, and local authorities have picked up the Watchdogs that tried to attack us after Yo-Yo put all of them in restraints before they even realized she was in the room. I'm glad Yo-Yo decided to come with me.
Cuddle Husband: You invited her to come with you to Mumbai because her friend kicked her out of her wedding party due to her recently coming out as Inhuman.
The Mechanic: That was just a shitty thing to do to your friend. Especially because she was only exposed due to visiting her in the first place. Besides, I was glad for the help since I'm going to have to work on continuous EMP shielding for the suit.
The Mechanic: So how did things go down in DC?
Cuddle Husband: The power went out around the White House about 10 minutes after that picture was taken, but we were in Arlington. The house never lost electricity. It was too far away from the impact zone.
The Mechanic: That's good. Also, at least you were where the good candy is.
Cuddle Husband: Like our children need more sugar. Leo figured out the problem, as I mentioned earlier, and May was able to take out the watchdogs guarding the thing. Leo and Phil went with her. I stayed with the kids.
The Mechanic: I'm glad all of you were safe. I hate being away from you when something like this happens.
Cuddle Husband: I don't like you being far away either. BTW May and Coulson are leaving tonight for LA because Wanda and Joey found the Rider of East LA. May is going with him because Natasha is staying in DC to try to prevent Secretary Ross from using the blackouts for political gain.
The Mechanic: I am not surprised about Ross because he's a warmongering opportunistic prick. The Rider is the guy with the alleged flaming skull that killed a teacher and a priest?
Cuddle Husband: Who, according to Wanda, turned out to be pedophiles. Apparently, the Rider's superpower is to seek out evil people and kill them.
The Mechanic: I'm having trouble deciding if that's a good or a bad thing. I leave the moral implications of this to May and Agent.
Cuddle Husband: That's probably for the best. Hurry back. Love you.
xx
Instagram post from Stark Industries CEO Virginia "Pepper" Potts.
December 24, 2016, 8:39 PM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Pepper Potts, Tony Stark Rogers, Leo Fitz Stark, Natasha Stark, Kathleen Worthington of the SI Board of Directors along with interns from the Midtown School of Science in front of a Christmas tree at the Stark industries New York offices.]
Photo credit: Peter Parker
Happy holidays from everyone at Stark Industries. It's been a remarkable year for Stark industries. We have accomplished a lot this year from the launch of the new eco-friendly Stark phone 6 that has already become the fastest-selling phone of all time to our recently announced partnership with the Wakandan government to start an outreach program in five major US cities including Oakland, California. All five centers will be built with new third generation arc reactor technology.
We also launched the Isabel and Victoria Hand foundation this year. Since its launch on May 1, we have helped fund 200 projects. We also started a new partnership with the Midtown school of science, inviting 10 interns to work with us this fall at our New York offices. Only nine are in this picture because Tony's personal intern, Peter Parker, prefers to be behind the camera. We are planning to expand the program in 2017 to include Brooklyn Vision Academy.
We are also looking forward to what the next year will bring. We have many things planned, including the new Stark Glasses and Stark watch. There's much more I'm unable to share. Rest assured Stark industries is always looking forward to making a better future through innovation.
xxxxx
Instagram account of I Am Iron Man
January 1, 2017, 06:09 AM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Tony Stark-Rogers hugging his son Leo Fitz Stark and his girlfriend J. Simmons in front of the Avenger Christmas tree complete with Avenger ornaments and once again the Capt. America shield is the tree topper. Both are showing off engagement rings. In the foreground, Antonio and Madison are playing with wrapping paper utterly oblivious to the fact that their big brother just got engaged.]
Photo credit: Daisy Carter
This feels like a bit of a new tradition. Me announcing something very big on New Year's Day. I'm sure you noticed the engagement rings in the photo above. I am pleased to announce that my son Leo and his girlfriend of two years, Simmons have agreed to marry each other.
The engagement happened at Christmas, where they both found Tiffany engagement rings under the tree from each other. I'm not even surprised at all that they were both planning to ask the other to marry them. This might be because I was consulted on both ring purchases. I chose not to interfere. It was a perfect moment.
Simmons, I'm so happy that you are officially going to become a member of our family. Both of you had a long road to get here, but I'm so happy that you made it. I love both of you so much. Congratulations both of you from both Steve and me, we love you both.
XXXX
Instagram post of Actually Steve Stark-Rogers
March 12, 2017, 9:23 AM
[Descriptive caption of photo:
Image 1: Image of Margaret "Peggy" Carter-Jones from 1943 in her SSR officer uniform.
Image 2: Image of Peggy Carter-Jones teaching a young Tony Stark how to ride a bike from 1980.
Image three: Peggy Carter-Jones surrounded by five of her children at Christmas 2008.]
Photo credit: image one: the British government; image two: Edwin Jarvis; image three: Jonathan Triplett
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Margaret "Peggy" Carter Jones, one of the most fascinating and compelling individuals I have ever met. I knew she was a remarkable woman the moment I first saw her. She had an aura unmatched by anyone.
As I was sleeping in the ice, as my husband would put it, she built an agency from scratch and became the first female head of a federal agency in the United States. She also raised five children, six if you count Tony. My husband considers her another one of his mothers.
Although that original agency fell, her two grandchildren, Antoine and Sharon, are helping to rebuild that legacy. A legacy built on care and compassion as well as protection for everyone.
Peggy was always compassionate, smart, and would not take BS from anyone. She was the strongest person I've ever met. There will never be anyone else like her. She was original and decades ahead of her time. So please join her family and me as we celebrate her life and legacy.
Xxxxx
March 16, 2017
"I knew this day was going to come eventually, but it still feels way too soon. I can't stop crying." Stephanie said as her husband passed her a tissue. They were currently in the back room of the church where mommy Peggy's funeral is set to start in an hour. Tony is pretty sure they all plan to hide here until five minutes before the actual ceremony.
"I can't either." Tony confessed to his sister, "and the world doesn't even know that she is my mom."
"You're allowed to cry," Roger tells him. Tony and Marcy invited him to be with the family because they're the only ones who know who he really is. Even Stephanie doesn't know. "Also, with any luck, at least this funeral won't be interrupted by a bombing at the UN in Geneva." Therefore, Stephanie glared at Tony when he started to laugh inappropriately at what Roger just said.
"Now you just jinxed us. You know Avenger emergencies always pop up at the worst possible time and a funeral at one of the big cathedrals in DC is just asking for trouble. Bobbi and Hunter's attempted remarriage was disrupted by ninjas a month ago." Tony tells the group.
"Tripp says that they're not on speaking terms again, so it's probably for the best," Stephanie mumbled under breath.
"Tony, it will be OK." Roger passed Tony a tissue.
"I wish Steve was sitting with us," Other Steve, Tony thinks to himself but doesn't say out loud. "but he just had to be a pallbearer. This is a situation where you need your husband. You brought your husband with you." He said, pointing to Jonathan.
"Because Taylor flaked out and is too drunk to actually stand right now, so I had to draft your husband."
"Tony, don't suggest Mack because he's already a pallbearer." Stephanie added.
"Daisy and Lincoln are trying to sober Tyler up in the bathroom right now." Marcy explained as she sat down across from the group. "I hope they're successful, but honestly, I just hope Daisy doesn't quake him because it's probably a high possibility."
"I'm pretty sure being too drunk to stand is how I spent Howard and Maria's funeral," Tony remarked.
"This is true. Although I can't really say anything because I had a glass of wine before I got here. I'm glad Gabe talked mom into not being buried in England because I wouldn't know where to get wine before a 1 PM funeral."
"You're not an alcoholic," Stephanie said from the couch, and Tony wanders a little bit about that statement. "Remember, I had to check myself into rehab after dad died because I relapsed at the funeral. I wonder if I should do it again."
"That hasn't happened again?" Tony asked, concerned. Tony had come close a few times to relapsing like back in February when Peter almost died fighting his almost girlfriend's father (when Peter was supposed to be at the Valentine's Day dance). Apparently the Man hated Tony for reasons Tony doesn't even understand. Steve said that Tony adopted another kid, which was why he freaked out so badly. He didn't drink, it was a close call. Tony is worried about giving in to temptation these next few days. The desire to drink must be worse for Stephanie right now.
"No, but I think it's better to deal with it before it happens. Rehab is a safe space where I can process everything." Stephanie answered, and part of Tony thinks she's right. He at least needs to schedule time with Dr. Cruz. She's the primary Avenger therapist. Although honestly, she shares this duty with Sam.
"Dad always drinks a lot, which is why we're glad we're with Aunt Jamie now." His nephew, Jack responded. Of course, he heard everything. Tony doesn't like his brother, but his niece Margaret and nephew are cool. They are tolerable after spending the last few years under the influence of their aunt. They love coming over to play with the twins. Being in the DC Metro, they get to come over a lot more than Alana, who lives in London with her uncle now.
"Kids just say the darndest things," Jamie mumbled under her breath as she placed her head in her hands. Desiree on the other hand just started laughing. Desiree would.
"I just got a text from Trista," Marcy said, looking up from her phone. "Sharon is still going to speak on behalf of the family, but she also just threw up in a bush. Antoine went to get her some tea to settle her stomach. Hopefully, she'll be ready to speak before everyone else shows up." Marcy tells them.
"She doesn't have to. I can do the speech. I am well trained." No matter how emotionally unstable he is, Tony can always play for the cameras. He assumes it is some sort of survival instinct.
"We need you here down with us. At least one of mom's sons should be here. I'm not sure how successful Daisy and Lincoln are going to be in getting Tyler out of the men's room or keep him from going to the nearest bar." Marcy remarked.
"I'll go check on him. Jack and Marge, stay here with Uncle Tony and aunts Desiree and Stephanie," Jamie said, getting up from her seat.
"Or I could take them back to the hotel so they can stay with Antonio and Madison." Being pragmatic and understanding of DC traffic, Steve booked a bunch of rooms in the hotel down the street from where the funeral was taking place because Steve knew they would need as many places to hide as possible. The repast was also taking place there. "My wife is watching the twins right now. She could watch your kids as well." Roger offered.
"We want to be here, Mr. Stevenson. We need to say goodbye to grandma too." The words of little Margaret "Marge" Carter made Tony start crying again. Which led him to hide out on the balcony to take a moment to compose himself. Marcy and Stephanie joined him.
"Despite the crying, I still think this is going better than Howard and Maria's funeral," Tony told his sisters. Natalie would be joining them later. She agreed to work with the funeral planner so they wouldn't have to worry about any of this. Natalie understood after losing her own mother last year. Tony was there for her, and now she would be there for him.
"Well, less fake people will be in attendance at any rate," Marcy remarked.
"Amen to that." Both Stephanie and Tony raised their cups of coffee.
"And the entire extended family will be at least tolerable. I expected Natalie to be here because she knew mom from the nursing home, and we're friends now." Stephanie remarked. "However, even May's stepfather is here."
"I invited him." Marcy begins to explain. "He knew mom since the 40s, and he used to babysit Tyler and me before our biological dad died." Apparently, this is true and yet does not surprise Tony.
"Also, as explained earlier, Grandma May Stevens is watching the twins," because mommy and stepdaddy Phil are working right now so that others could be here at the funeral. "I don't think I'm ready for them to have their first funeral yet, well first one they can remember." Tony did take the twins with them when they scattered Isabel's ashes, but Madison and Baby Tony were only a few weeks old at the time.
"With Agent Piper and Nanny Hunter," Stephanie remarked.
"It's not paranoia if you have an actual reason to be paranoid. My kids were involved in two attempted kidnappings before their first birthday. There have been two more attempts since then, and they don't even know they're Steve's biological children."
"I'm sorry my mom was responsible for one of those kidnappings." At some point, Daisy made her way out to the balcony. Looking behind her, Tony can see Lincoln and Jamie pouring Tyler into one of the couches.
"It wasn't your fault," Tony told her for like the 50th time. "You can't choose your biological parents. Thankfully, your adoptive parents were an upgrade."
"I feel like the whole Carter family has adopted me, which is why I volunteered for Tyler duty. I came here to get Marcy's makeup bag because she's the right complexion and we sort of need to cover up a few bruises."
"God, I'm not even surprised. I'm going to go do my brother's makeup, so he looks presentable at our mother's funeral. I'm a trained agent, I can do this without icing the asshole." Marcy said, leaving the balcony.
"I'm not going to ask either of you if you're okay because I can only take answering that question when May is asking. I don't really know what to say to make everyone feel better because my mom died trying to kill me."
"Thank you for not asking us if we are okay," Stephanie tells her son's partner. "I may punch the next person who asks that question other than my husband or my son."
"I totally understand, but I do want to say that you're all fortunate to have a mother who loved you very much, and this may be hard for both of you, but just remember that you were well-loved." Daisy told both before leaving the balcony to go help with operation sober up Tyler.
"I really don't want to go out there," Tony tells Stephanie now that they're alone.
"I don't either, but we are going to take our seats when Natalie tells us to. We are going to hold it together in front of the strangers that we don't necessarily like because we are Carters and that's what Carters do."
"I'm like 90% sure I got that speech from mom once," Stephanie said as she wrapped an arm around Tony. They stayed like that until Natalie and Jonathan ushered them to the front of the church for the service.
XXXX
So good news, Tony survived the funeral without throwing up. Tyler did not, but everyone blames it on the booze. This led to an intervention at the repast involving Sam and Dr. Cruz. Tony is paying for his half-brother to go to rehab for the next 90 days. (And for Stephanie to have a two-week rehab booster shot to stay sober.)
Thankfully Geneva was not bombed, and neither was the White House. Although Sharon did punch out one of the great uncles for saying something inappropriate about her girlfriend and Tripp's boyfriend (and the guy didn't even knew about Daisy.) When that happened Tony was regretting flying out the extended family from England yet also grateful that Peggy decided to be buried next to Gabe instead of Michael. Regardless, they all survived, and if Tony spent the entire night crying on Steve no one else had to know.
XXXX
Instagram account of I Am Iron Man
August 27, 2017, 8:09 AM
[Descriptive caption of photos:
Image one: Tony Stark-Rogers walking down Leo Fitz Stark-Simmons down the aisle.
Image two: Leo and Jemma Stark-Simmons kissing as ATCU director Philip Coulson pronounces the happy couple husband and wife. Avenger and maid of honor Daisy 'Quake' Carter is visible in the picture. The faces of the rest of the bridal party have been replaced with smiley faces.]
Photo credit: Peter Parker
So, I am thrilled to announce to the world that yesterday I did not lose a son, but I got a daughter. Although I still cried walking Leo down the aisle. Yes, I walked him down the aisle. It's 2017, get over it.
I'm also happy to share a few images from the joyous occasion. Don't they look so happy together? Not pictured is Antonio climbing up the table with the help of the bride's little sister to get at the cake. Madison knew better than to participate. Thankfully Quicksilver was at the wedding and prevented a catastrophe. Almost 3-year-olds at weddings can be hazardous.
xxx
December 26, 2017
"When they told me I had a visitor, I was hoping it was Alex. I wasn't expecting you." Von Strucker told Natasha as she slid into the white seat across from him. They were in a private room because being the Deputy Director of the Advanced Threat Containment Unit did offer some advantages. Being able to talk to the former head of Hydra alone was one of them.
"And not Natalie?" Natasha asked.
"She only comes on my birthday and our anniversary. That's more than I deserve."
"It is Boxing Day. Maybe she was feeling generous." Natasha remarked.
"Even Natalie isn't that generous."
"Because there's nothing you could possibly do to make up for what you did to them, to the rest of humanity."
"Yes." Von Strucker answers bitterly.
"What if you could?"
That's when she told him what the scepter really was and the fact there were five other objects just like it. She told him about the purple monster who was responsible for New York and how he was coming for the other stones. Although she kept some of the details vague because he's still the former head of Hydra.
"You're trying to collect all the stones first?" The former head of Hydra asked.
"We have all of them except for the last one. That teleportation device that we found in possession of your former Hydra comrade General Hale has been beneficial."
"You need me to get this last stone?" Von Strecker asked.
"Our Intel says it requires a sacrifice in the form of jumping off a cliff, therefore, sacrificing your life or throwing your loved one off the cliff. Because of her teleportation powers, Natalie is convinced she can survive and still get the stone." Natasha explained. She doesn't tell him about the fight that's been happening for the last month regarding this between Natalie and Tony.
"You don't?"
"I don't. That's why I need you. What are you willing to do to protect Natalie? What are you willing to give up for her? To make sure your son doesn't lose his one good parent?"
"Everything." The man answered, simply.
Xxxxx
January 26, 2018
The 'we saved the world' party was in full effect at the Arlington Ridge house of Tony Stark-Rogers. The Avenger compound upstate is in shambles due to the purple ass hole trying to keep them from succeeding. Regardless the big purple monster was gone for good thanks to a Nanotech gauntlet, six stones, and the fact that Robbie Reyes is tough to kill. The Rider had no trouble getting rid of Thanos, a being who has killed millions if not billions, along with his forces.
Tony would be celebrating the fact that this all happened without him or his sister not dying if it wasn't for the fact that Natalie was missing. Thankfully it's tough to hide from Jarvis. Tony found her in the twins' playroom, the one downstairs in the base next to Phil's office.
"You're missing quite a party. I think Steve plans to do karaoke later. Also, Wanda is trying to set up Yo-Yo and her brother." Tony joked as he walked into the room where his sister was hiding.
"I'm not in the mood to be around people, especially people that are celebrating," Natalie remarked cuddling a teddy bear to herself.
"Okay, maybe the 'thank the universe we are still alive' party might be in a little bad taste because…"
"My asshole Hydra loving husband jumped off a cliff
on Vormir, and I had to watch just so we could have this victory." Natalie finished for him.
"Exactly. Although I'm not sure about the Hydra loving part because I was told he punched Red Skull before jumping off the cliff. There's video." Because Tony made Natasha record the entire thing just in case this was going to be the last time he saw his sister.
"I would've laughed if I wasn't crying. Wolf also made it so I couldn't teleport to catch him, so that entire day was a lot." Tony isn't surprised that the former head of Hydra's science division came up with an anti-teleporting device.
"I'm sorry."
"But not really because you're happy I'm alive and he's not," Natalie remarked.
"I'm happy you're alive, but I'm sad you are sad." Tony placed an arm around his sister. "I'm sorry you lost someone you love."
"It's just hard to process that he's really gone."
"I wish I could make this better for you, but I can't. Just remember I'm always going to be here for you."
"After three years, I think you're getting the brother thing." Natalie smiled at Tony.
"I'm trying. I can send everyone away?"
"No, it's okay. Just stay with me for a little bit."
"Of course."
"Thank you."
"I love you and I'm always going to be here, big sister," Tony says as he kissed Natalie's forehead.
"I love you too."
XXXX
October 21, 2023
Roger Stevens formerly Steve Rogers found it deeply ironic that the loves of both of his lifetimes died on the exact same day in two different realities. Tony died saving the world, most likely never knowing how much Steve really loved him probably because Steve didn't even realize it until he lost Tony. In contrast, his wife of nearly 35 years took her last breath knowing with her entire heart that Roger loved her. She was surrounded by her two children, her daughter's husband and a husband who wouldn't let go of her hand. That day she lost a prolonged battle with cancer that even the super-soldier antibodies in her system couldn't entirely fight. It just gave her more time, for which Roger was grateful for.
It was a week later. Now that he has buried the love of this life, Roger needs to go back to his old one. For a visit, not to stay. Not like he initially thought he would.
"You're really doing this?" May asked her stepfather as he stepped on the platform in the nano suit that Tony created for him. With the help of Simmons, Leo, and Peter (with a master's already from Empire State), they completely reverse engineered his Tony's original time travel technology and made it better.
"I want Sam and Bucky to at least know what happened to me, but I promise I'm coming back, Melinda." He said as he hugged his stepdaughter.
"You better. The twins' ninth birthday is in a few days and they want their grandfather there." May tells him.
"They also want you to bring Morgan, but I doubt any version of Pepper will allow that unless she's coming too. We're going to have to speed up work on the time quin jet." Tony joked. He was the only other person in the room. Roger said all his other goodbyes this morning at breakfast. The entire family (plus Natasha) was there, even Erik who of course brought his cousin to check over Tony's time travel device and wouldn't let him use it until she gave them the thumbs up.
"You're the only parent I have left. I need you to come back." Which was unfortunately true. May's other father died two years ago after a stroke.
"I promise. From your perspective it will only be a few seconds." He kisses May's forehead.
"I'm sure the other Sam and Bucky are thinking the exact same thing," Tony remarked.
"For them it will be a few minutes, I'll just be really old when I get there," Roger said as he stepped onto the platform ready to go to his other life.
"I mean you look great for being 180. I hope I'm around to see my Stevie look as hot as you. I find liver spots intriguing." Roger couldn't help but smile. He still loves this Tony, but as a son or maybe a brother-in-law. He was family all the same.
"Don't ever change Tony," Roger said moments before Tony sent him back to the other timeline.
Roger ended up arriving a few minutes early, which gave him time to change into his grandpa outfit as the twins call it. He got to watch his younger self say his goodbyes to Sam and Bucky. In hindsight, he knows that Bucky knows what he's going to do because that seems like a permanent goodbye. Outside of his wife and Melinda, Bucky always did know him best.
He could tell his other self that he wasn't going to find his happy ending with Peggy in the past, but the man still in pain and running away from losing Tony and Natasha. He needs to figure that out on his own. But Roger Stevens is proof that he will someday and more importantly he will have a happy ending, even if it's a tearjerker.
Bucky sees him first and instantly knows that it is him. He hears the conversation with Sam and is not surprised when he comes over to sit with him. Roger tries to explain why he did what he did. He tells Sam that he wanted to try having that life that Tony always wanted him to have. Roger doesn't tell Sam that he went to the past to make sure his other self and Tony had their happily ever after together. Roger doesn't tell Sam that he tried to fix the past with various results. Roger doesn't mention his two lovely children or his 35 years of marriage. He just tells Sam it was beautiful even though part of him wants to cry because he misses his wife so much.
He came here to give the shield to Sam, the new one that the king gave him for giving Erik a haven. Although Tony was responsible for the paint job because that is just something the father of his grandchildren would do. Thankfully, he followed Rogers' instructions to make it look worn down like Steve shield. A shield that incidentally now belongs to that Sam. Steve gave the shield to Sam about a year ago because he wanted to spend more time with the kids and their new granddaughter Elizabeth Stark-Simmons. Tony retired five years earlier turning the armor over to Leo after Thanos was defeated, Tony decided that he was way too old to still be a superhero. Now that Elizabeth is here, Roger is sure someone else will be stepping into the armor soon, possibly super Stark intern, Riri Williams. Roger knows that Tony, Natalie, and Leo are grooming her for important things at SI.
Just like that Sam, his Sam has the same expression of wonderment on his face when given the shield and made the exact same promise. Once again Roger knew the right choice had been made. Sam was a good man, and it takes a good man to take care of the shield.
When Sam notices his wedding ring that Roger still can't take off, he tries to sound casual about not providing an answer. Roger may be channeling Antonio when the soon to be nine-year-old doesn't want to do his homework. Roger is not ready to talk about Yuan yet. His heart still hurts. Someday he'll be able to talk about how much he loved her, but not today.
After spending a few hours with Bucky, Sam, and Bruce he decides to go see Pepper before going back home to Melinda, Erik, and his grandbabies. Surprisingly Bruce leaves him alone with Pepper. He decides not to tell the man that in another timeline, he and Pepper are together. They never did get married, but that's just who they are. They're happy together.
When Pepper asked him why he stayed in the past, he tells her the truth that he wanted to create a reality where they wouldn't lose Tony. He tells her about all the things he tried to fix from Bucky to Natasha that didn't go quite right. Roger tells Pepper about falling in love again and raising two beautiful children with Yuan. He even tells her about her death the week prior. Maybe because, unlike Bucky and Sam, Pepper would understand. They're both mourning their spouse right now.
"I'm sorry for your loss. I feel like my heart is being ripped in two after just five years of marriage. 35 years together must be so much worse." Pepper said as she grabbed his hand in a gesture of comfort.
"I'm dealing with it the best I can. This isn't the first time I dealt with this type of loss. It just takes time. I'll get through it eventually." And at least this time he has May and Erik.
"This isn't your first loss, because you lost Tony too." He shouldn't be surprised that Pepper knew because Pepper always knows. He should know that from two separate lifetimes around the woman.
"How did you know?" Roger asked.
"Because you were the only person who fell apart as much as I did. Even James and Happy were not hurt like we were." She answered honestly. "Also, you've yet to give me an update on what happened to the other Tony Stark who you were trying to keep alive. You did keep him alive?" Pepper asked, concerned.
"Yes. He's alive even after we defeated Thanos back in January 2018. He's the one that helped me get here."
"That's not surprising. Is he happily married to your counterpart? Is that why you don't want to give me details?" Pepper asked as Roger raised an eyebrow at her in shock.
"Yes. You, other Pepper, gave Tony away at the wedding." Roger tells her.
"I'm not surprised. Not at all." That's when Roger decides to break out last year's Christmas photo. Steve, Tony, and Pepper are standing in front of the Christmas tree with Tony holding his granddaughter.
"Who's the baby Tony's holding?" Pepper asked.
"That's his granddaughter Elizabeth. She is about three weeks old in that picture."
"Granddaughter?" Now this time Pepper was genuinely shocked.
"I think I left out a few things that are important and need to start the story again," Roger said this time, pulling up a picture of Tony and Leo.
"Yes."
That's when he told her about Hydra and Project Lullaby and the fact that Tony has a son in his mid-30s and a new granddaughter. Along with nine-year-old twins. "So, Antonio is the biological child of Tony, your stepdaughter Melinda, and your other self?" Pepper asked surprised.
"Yes." Roger decides not to mention the superpowers. It would probably be too much. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to tell you this much."
"I'm glad you did. In a way, it makes it easier knowing that somewhere in the multi-verse, Tony is still alive and happy." Pepper told him as one tear ran down her cheek. "He is happy?"
"Very much so. And even though Tony is with Steve, the two of you are the very best friends. The other Pepper is Antonio and Madison's godmother." Roger explained. He pulls up another picture of Pepper hanging out with her godchildren.
"I'm surprised that Tony didn't go with Morgan."
"May and Steve said that he tried. He was overruled." Pepper laughed at that.
"Thank you for telling me that. Although now I'm sure that Morgan is going to want to meet her half-siblings at some point."
"They want to meet her. If I come back, I'm going to have to bring them with me." And Roger has this feeling that he probably will come back in a few months, just to see how everyone's doing.
"This should not surprise me. Are you going to be okay?"
"I should be asking you that." Roger would be going back to his kids and grandkids.
"I think we both know the answer to that is in time. When you go home, just promise you'll keep Tony alive for me or at least make sure Steve does it." Pepper asked, right before giving Steve a hug.
"I will. I promise."
The end
I'm not going to lie, that last scene cause me cry a lot, probably because I had to watch the end of Endgame again to write it. It was brutal. (Also, while I was doing the final review before posting my phone started playing Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely. That just triggered more tears.)
I thought about doing more stories in this universe, but at present I have no concrete plans. Of course, I never say never, after Dear Spock where I swore there wouldn't be a sequel and well, I'm currently writing the third story in that series. Who knows what the future might bring us? I may go back and write about the many lives of Roger Stevens. It's tempting. Or a teenage Antonio and Madison coming over to visit Morgan. Of course, they bring their little niece Elizabeth along. Imagine the chaos they would bring.
Up next I have Infinite Text messaging to the Endgame. I hope to see you again there. See summary below.
Title: Infinite Messaging to the Endgame
Part three of the Use Your Words universe. Sequel to I Hope You Have Unlimited Text Messaging and Text Messages from the Edge of High school. Although you can continue reading without having read Text Messages from the Edge, but it's beneficial if you have. Don't you want to know why MJ and Flash are friends now?
Summary: They say that the best way to communicate in an emergency is via text message. A giant purple alien bent on wiping out half of the universe's population with the help of six infinity stones qualifies as an emergency. This fact is even more apparent now that Laura Barton is currently trapped in a timeline where that happened because the Avengers (read: Tony and Steve) never mended fences. Now the last remnants of those Avengers are trying to fix what happened. What's going to be easier, stopping Thanos, undoing the damage he already caused in another timeline, or getting that timeline's Tony and Steve to get their shit together? Two timelines, one mission, and an infinite amount of text messaging.
Coming March, 2020
So it turns out buying a house and subsequently moving is very involved. Because of that, I am extremely behind on writing and the Valentines launch day just doesn't work anymore.